Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Lesson already learned - giving back requires proper planning. Okay, well it requires some planning and not a last minute attempt :)

For week two, it was difficult to find volunteer opportunities happening at that time and I should have looked into it in advance. I found out charities and nonprofits are definitely interested in volunteers, but they need prior notice and sometimes it even requires an application. Due to this, it is now apparent that better planning is necessary to make this project succeed. So better planning is what will be done! :)

January's theme was decided to be "donations," and even though there were a few stumbling blocks, and the "act of goodness" was completed by a donation to the local Salvation Army. I gathered three bags of old clothes, and old TV and a TV stand and dropped it off at the Salvation Army down the street. I felt pretty good about cleaning out my closet and knowing that someone who might be less fortunate will get to use the belongings I no longer need. My stuff now has a second life! I like that.

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

So we started working on our schedule of "acts of goodness" and determining acts that apply and do not apply for this challenge. We sorted out some great ideas and we are super excited for what we have in store in the coming weeks! So stay tuned...

But to get this challenge moving, we opted for an easier task this week, but one that is still just as important.
For the first week, we chose to donate coats to One Warm Coat, an organization dedicated to "providing any person in need with a warm coat, free of charge." Looking through some of my old coats, I really did start thinking about those who don't have the warmth of coats and could really use a nice winter jacket. I found a couple I haven't worn in the past two years (and were in good shape) and decided someone else needs them more than I do.

I went to the Burlington Coat Factory in the Plymouth Meeting Mall to drop off my donations. I was greeted by two very nice associates who showed me where to place my donations, thanked me, and provided tax slips. They also offered me 10 percent off my purchase if I wanted to buy a new coat. I really did want to buy a new coat due to my overbearing shopping addiction, but luckily I restrained and wiggled away bagless (whew!).

It felt good to know the coats would have a new home with someone who would appreciate them!

Monday, January 3, 2011

This blog is dedicated to participating in one act of "goodness" each week for 52 weeks. The goal is to watch an overall change by the small acts and maintain this all year. We all have time to do something good and this is our way of making sure we are accountable for giving back and "doing something good once a week." Cheers to 2011 and a year of giving back!